TLDR: We cannot launch on Steam today however we are launching on itch.io RIGHT NOW and you can buy and download the early access version of the game from here RIGHT NOW:
https://slugdisco.itch.io/empires-of-the-undergrowth
This includes a Steam key that when it does release on Steam next week will allow you to download it from there!
We've messed up a bit.
As you'll no doubt have gathered by the multitude of YouTubers playing the game, Empires of the Undergrowth is ready to go into early access on Steam. Outside of some small intermittent issues, this has been the case for a few days now. We were hoping for a smooth release to Steam and were looking forward to sitting back a little and watching you all play, like proud parents watching their toddlers seeing the snow for the first time. Sadly it didn't work out quite as idyllically as that (what does?) this time around. And we're somewhat to blame.
Steam has very rigorous standards for the curated set of games that live there. In our haste to prepare EotU for release to the platform, we've forgot to set up a few things in our Windows and Mac builds (with some noted irony given the headaches it's been causing us lately, the Linux build is the only one that passed!) and have therefore run afoul of some rules owing to the UE4 engine we use. Being entirely new to it, we hold our hands up and take the blame - it's our fault. Unfortunately the way that the review process works, we are unlikely to be able to launch on Steam until next week.
So, the question is, what do we do now? The game is ready for early access as far as we're concerned and we'd love you all to play it as soon as you can. So - we're going to make the game available through itch.io! This will include a Steam key so when it does finally come out on Steam next week you will also be able to download it from there!
We are really sorry about this, this is our first game on Steam and we will learn from this.
In the meantime the game is now available on itch.io!
https://slugdisco.itch.io/empires-of-the-undergrowth
"Your queen has set up home beneath a rotting log. She is fat, and vulnerable. Her first brood will need to move quickly if the colony is to survive. Their priority now is to find food, and there is plenty around; but there are other hungry creatures in the undergrowth. The workers will need to be vigilant."
Empires of the Undergrowth is an ant colony management game, in a fast-paced real-time strategy style. The player excavates their nest underground, constructing tunnels and chambers to store food and raise brood. On the surface, the ants claim territory, gather resources, overwhelm fearsome arachnids and clash with other colonies. Nest design, army size, composition and attack timing are key to securing victory.
Carve out and construct your underground nest to suit your strategy
Engage in fast-paced colony versus colony combat above ground
Play as different ant species and explore their unique traits and weaknesses
Encounter and overpower dangerous beetles, arachnids and other awesome arthropods
Grow your pet formicarium over time by completing missions
MINIMAL SETUP
OS: Any reasonable new Linux distro (Ubuntu 16.04)